By Charmaine Ndlela
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says learners who struggle with literacy and numeracy will also struggle to benefit fully from opportunities in robotics, coding and artificial intelligence.
Gwarube was speaking on Friday at the launch of a new Robotics and Digital Learning Lab at Joe Slovo Engineering High School in Khayelitsha, established in partnership with the Shoprite Foundation and Sifiso EdTech.
ALSO READ: ‘No one is above the law,’ Ramaphosa responds to ConCourt ruling as impeachment calls grow
The Department of Basic Education said the initiative formed part of government’s efforts to expand access to STEM education in underserved communities by equipping learners with practical skills in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Addressing learners and educators at the launch, Gwarube described the lab as “a door of possibility” and a step towards broadening access to future-focused education.
“From classroom learning to real-world technological skills, learners will now have access to tools and opportunities designed to prepare them for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy,” she said.
Gwarube praised the Shoprite Foundation’s investment, saying it reflected responsible corporate citizenship and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening education.
She cautioned, however, that technological innovation could not succeed without strong foundational learning.
“Foundational literacy and numeracy are not separate from innovation, they are the prerequisite for it,” she said.
Gwarube also reflected on the challenges facing communities such as Khayelitsha, saying the issue had never been a lack of talent or ambition, but limited access to opportunities and resources.
She urged learners, educators and the broader community to take ownership of the facility and ensure it benefits future generations.
“This lab tells every learner who walks through its doors: you belong in the future we are building. You have not been forgotten. Your community has not been forgotten,” she said.
